Benue State is positioning its rich culinary traditions, agricultural resources and cultural heritage as engines of tourism and economic development through the 2026 Annual Gastronomy and Cultural Tourism Festival, which aims to attract investment, create jobs and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Festival Manager and Secretary-General of the Benue State Gastronomy and Cultural Tourism Festival Group, Mr Jonathan Justin Akem, explained that the event would bring together indigenous cuisine, cultural performances, arts, music, crafts and other creative tourism attractions to create a marketplace for local products and talents.
Akem said the festival would enhance the visibility of Benue’s cultural heritage and position the state as a major destination for gastronomy and cultural tourism in Nigeria.
He noted that the event would create opportunities for farmers, food processors, chefs, caterers, restaurants, hotels, artisans, entertainers, tour operators and young entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services while connecting with new markets.
The festival was also expected to encourage the commercialisation and preservation of traditional Benue cuisines while creating stronger markets for locally produced agricultural products.
Akem emphasised that the initiative went beyond food and entertainment, describing culture and tourism as instruments for economic development.
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He added that the festival could contribute to Nigeria’s tourism economy by showcasing the country’s cultural diversity and encouraging domestic and international tourists to explore its cuisine, traditions and tourist destinations.
The festival manager expressed optimism that sustained annual editions, strategic partnerships and effective promotion could establish the event as a platform for job creation, investment, cultural preservation, tourism development and economic growth.
He explained that the long-term objective was to transform food and culture from aspects of tradition into economic assets capable of supporting livelihoods, attracting visitors and promoting Benue and Nigeria internationally.
Describing Benue as the “Middle Belt heartland” and “food basket of the nation,” Akem invited Nigerians and international tourists to visit the state to experience its diverse cuisine and cultural heritage.
“Come, eat and enjoy Benue’s rich food, where over five different types of soups are served in a meal, while you meet and interact with very hospitable people whose faces are always filled with permanent smiles,” he said.
Akem described the festival as an opportunity for visitors to experience the richness of Benue’s food, culture and hospitality.
